One round of Black Friday bargains wasn't enough

Donna Fischer, 45, of East Northport, rests on Friday afternoon at the Smith Haven Mall in Lake Grove after a Black Friday day of shopping that began the night before. (Nov. 23, 2012) Photo Credit: Newsday/Ted Phillips

For Donna Fischer, Black Friday began at 11 p.m. Thursday night. After four hours of late night shopping, she took a break but was back in action by 1 p.m. -- and as 5 o'clock approached she claimed success.

"I think we did better this year," said Fischer, 45, of East Northport, who ended her shopping marathon at Smith Haven Mall after stops at WalMart, Target, Macy's and Kohl's. A financial controller at a private firm, she was impressed with the savings she found compared to last year.

"I bought a lot more, but I feel like it's because prices were better," she said. "I stayed within my budget."

On the list this year were toys for her niece and clothes for her children.

Black Fridays have been a family tradition for six or seven years. "My sister comes from New Jersey for Thanksgiving and we make a day of it," she said. "We got a lot accomplished."

Above, Donna Fischer, 45, of East Northport, rests on Friday afternoon at the Smith Haven Mall in Lake Grove after a Black Friday day of shopping that began the night before.